L.G.B.T Seniors Fear Going Back In The Closet As They Enter Retirement Homes

A senior woman sitting and looking out from the window

The New Yorker had a sad article about a Brooklyn retirement home which featured twelve of the country’s 3 million L.G.B.T. seniors, many of whom fear going back into the close as they enter assisted living or senior communities.  34% of those surveyed fear having to hide their sexuality when entering a retirement facility, but a national chain called Watermark is trying to change that.  It is pursuing a platinum accreditation from SAGE, an organization that serves L.G.B.T. seniors.  This is a sad story which, hopefully, will have a happy ending eventually.

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/03/08/tallying-the-lost-years-for-lgbt-seniors?utm_source=nl&utm_brand=tny&utm_mailing=TNY_Daily_030621&utm_campaign=aud-dev&utm_medium=email&bxid=5d9650350564ce3ac11dd859&cndid=1617543&hasha=7052b81671c57203c64c377c7522baa7&hashb=5708aa7994855c44974ae69faa48e3e4bacb03a0&hashc=cbd2b1a310c325a9dac49d86de69a91a6d69f6980ca8166044e7444b94298971&esrc=Auto_Subs&mbid=CRMNYR012019&utm_term=TNY_Daily

Centenarians One Of The Fastest Growing Demographics

Centenarians, those living to be over 100 years old, are one of the fastest growing demographic groups in the United States.  The number stands at 92K, with most of them women.  This demographic has expanded by 44% since 2000, according to the Centers for Disease Control.  According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 40 years people in this demo will be 6x higher than today.  Genetics plays a big part in how long you live.  A Boston University School of Medicine study found that genetic markets accounted for 61% accuracy in predicting who lives to be 100.  However, Dr. Thomas Perls from Boston University School of Medicine said it’s like winning the lottery—only one in 5,000 people will make it to be 100.  The lucky ones planned financially for a long life, but many people don’t consider this long of a life a possibility when making their retirement plans.  Longevity planning is becoming a new vocation.  It combines conventional financial techniques with life planning.  In addition to your genetics, however, lifestyle can play a big part.  Staying socially and mentally vibrant are key.  If you retire from work, you should take up some volunteer efforts to keep your mind active, say experts.

Monterey, CA Retiring? Think About Decluttering

The November 2020 issue of the Kiplinger Retirement Report had an article on retiring and getting rid of all of that extra junk that you have lying around—while making a profit!  For instance, called Decluttr (available on both the Apple iPhone and Google Android) where all you have to do when selling electronics (as well as accessories like video games, DVDs and CDs) is input the make and model.  They will email you a price quote that is good for four weeks and a shipping label for mailing the item.  No need to send in photos or any information, just wipe all personal data clean and send the equipment in.  Another interesting app is The RealReal which will buy designer clothes.  You just bag them up and mail them in and they apparently give a decent price for used clothes.